Emilio Aguinaldo College took a significant step toward boosting its NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Final Four hopes, securing a crucial 68-58 win over Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The victory was critical for the Generals, who have now won four of their last six games and improved their record to 7-7.
They have moved half a game ahead of the Knights for the coveted fourth spot.
“It’s a vital game against Letran. Talagang nag-focus kami sa Letran because we cannot lose today. Sabi ko sa players, kung tingin mo matatalo ka, isipin mo refuse to lose,” said Generals’ second-year head coach Jerson Cabiltes.
Leading the way for EAC was former UE Red Warrior Harvey Pagsanjan, who tallied 13 points, five assists, and three rebounds.
“As a leader, yung aggressiveness dapat sa akin nagsisimula,” said Pagsanjan.
Pagsanjan took charge in the third quarter, scoring eight of EAC’s 21 points to expand a narrow 33-29 lead into a 54-45 cushion entering the final frame.
The Generals’ defense was relentless, holding Letran to just 13 points on 3-of-14 shooting in the last 10 minutes to seal the victory.
Kyle Ochavo added 10 points for EAC, while Gelo Loristo and King Gurtiza chipped in nine each.
Gurtiza struggled from the field, shooting just 4-of-15, but still contributed defensively. He helped limit Jimboy Estrada to 10 points on 3-of-9 shooting and Deo Cuajao to nine points on a 4-of-14 clip.
“Talagang ni-limit namin si Jimboy at Cuajao. We limited their touches,” Cabiltes added.
EAC will look to maintain its momentum on Wednesday against San Beda, a team they defeated in the first round.
Meanwhile, Letran will aim to get back on track the following day against Saint Benilde.
The Scores:
Emilio Aguinaldo 68 – Pagsanjan 13, Ochavo 10, Loristo 9, Gurtiza 9, Oftana 8, Quinal 6, Jacob 4, Ednilag 3, Doromal 2, Lucero 2, Bacud 2, Bagay 0, Luciano 0.
Letran 58 – Estrada 10, Nunag 10, Cuajao 9, Monje 7, Miller 6, Montecillo 5, Javillonar 4, Baliling 3, Dimaano 2, Jumao-as 2, Delfino 0.
Quarterscores: 15-11, 33-29, 54-45, 68-58.
